Syed Rahim Nabi - We call him Mr. Versatile

As striker, as a midfielder and finally as a left back, Rahim Nabi has faced every challenge head on. He is popularly referred to as Mr. Versatile of Indian football and why not - his responsibilities have always altered with his position. Scoring, creating and defending - this Mariner has done it all with pomp.

Since his move to McDowell Mohun Bagan, Nabi has been impressive in his role as the left-back. He has been a constant threat to oppositions with his overlapping runs and piercing crosses. He also showed his scoring prowess, netting in on four occasions this season.

Nabi's qualities as a footballer are something coaches dig for. His ability to quickly adapt to a position makes Nabi a useful player that any team would hate to leave out. In a match or even in practice, he never backs from giving his best.


Rahim Nabi in action against Air India


After representing India at the junior level, Nabi worked his way into the senior national team in 2004. He has been a regular pick for any Indian coach since bursting on to the scene. Assigned various roles by various coaches, Nabi always came up trumps.

Against bigger oppositions, Nabi has always been one of the better performers for team India. In the match against Bayern Munich, Nabi's brave defending drew a lot of cheers from the crowd. Though Bhaichung Bhutia hogged the limelight that chilly evening in Delhi, Nabi won hearts with his performance.


Nabi is a fighter - even in practice


In the run up to the FPAI Awards, Nabi was the obvious choice for the Indian Footballer of the Year, and there were no surprises. His performances in the SAFF Cup and other international friendlies are proof that he is the torch bearer of Indian football. Before strikers Jeje and Chhetri got going in the SAFF Cup, it was Nabi who opened the scoring against Bhutan. Even in the semi-final against Maldives, Nabi was the first to get on the score sheet. He has served up goals when the team looked deflated and needed inspiration. In an international friendly against Malaysia in November, he scored India's equalizer in the 88th minute and was rightfully handed the captain's armband for the second friendly against Malaysia. He led the team, by example, to a 3-2 victory.

McDowell Mohun Bagan fans will look forward to more spirited performances from Nabi that would help the club add to its trophy cabinet.

Written by: Debangan Basu
Community Manager, McDowell Mohun Bagan